WMO acts as a central framework where Members, including representatives of National Meteorological and Hydrology Services (NMHSs), can effectively discuss all issues related to weather, climate and water. The goal of WMO is to ensure that these streams of information flow as rapidly and efficiently as possible and contribute to the safety and well-being of all peoples.
The WMO is governed by the World Meteorological Congress, which is composed of all WMO Members. The World Meteorological Congress meets every four years to review, and give policy guidance to, WMO Programmes. The Executive Council (37 members), which meets annually, monitors the implementation of decisions taken by Congress. Members gather in regional associations (RAs: Asia, Africa, Europe; North America, Central America and the Caribbean; South America and South-West Pacific) to coordinate activities within their respective Regions. Members select experts to take part in eight technical commissions researching issues within their areas of competence.
The Secretary-General heads the Secretariat, which is based in Geneva. The Secretariat acts as an administration, documentation and information centre for the Organization. Pressing issues or international emergencies that need to be addressed can be accommodated through existing programmes.